The original publish date of this blog: 7/06/20

With all that’s been going on in the world lately (specifically the murder of George Floyd in May 2020), it’s given me a heavy heart. This is not going to be another blog post ranting about the toxicity of racism in modern society. Don’t get me wrong, this is a MASSIVE problem, but this has also got me thinking…

If there’s one thing the human race can agree on, it is the love of good food especially when it’s made with love. I am not trying to distract from the real issue that people all over the world are fighting against. I mean this with upmost respect, but we can often underestimate the power of food.

Growing up in a mixed school, my school had an annual ‘Cultural Awareness’ event where families and students were encouraged to cook and bring food that was native to their country so that everyone got the opportunity to learn more about each other through food. I witnessed Lithuanians eating Nigerian food for the first time, and the Nigerians digging into Filipino food, etc.

It broke down barriers. Cultures and races that wouldn’t normally mix were complimenting each other, having conversations and forming new friendships. They ALL made an effort. At the time, I didn’t understand the significance of this event, but now I realise how powerful it was.

I also look at how diverse my Instagram community is! Some of my followers are from East Asia, Canada, India and even as far as Argentina! We all connect through our love of food! Something so simple as food can bring people from all walks of life together and start to remove misconceptions about other races and cultures.

I remember watching a TV programme where a school encouraged students and their families to invite another family from the same school (but from a different culture) to their homes for a casual dinner.

I can’t remember what the programme was called, but there was one episode where a British (white) woman cooked for a Muslim lady and her family. The British lady was apprehensive at first but but she soon realised it wasn’t all that bad. The two families made easy conversation over dinner and got to know about each other.

The British lady realised how lovely the Muslim family were, and vice versa. Her initial perception had changed through this experiment assigned by the school.

I’m just thinking out loud here: maybe this concept should be compulsory in all schools as part of embedding culture and diversity with the early school years. Students and their parents would visit another family’s home for dinner. The students would then write a report on what they learned from each other’s families, the food they ate, the customs they have, etc, to present in class. I do feel this would aid in ridding society of ignorance and misconceptions through such interactions. Do you think a programme like this would be beneficial? Let me know what you think in the comments section below.

If there was one person that really knew how to bring people from all walks on life together , it was my Grandma Josée. She championed diversity and community spirit.

Every first Saturday of the month she hired a church hall and created a little ‘Fellowship’ where she eagerly invited all sorts of people. The Fellowship was run similarly to a church service but would always without fail end with a feast made by her, and later the guests would start bringing food too.

My grandma loved to feed people. She didn’t care where you were from or what your past was like, she simply embraced you with open arms. She was so generous and humble, and made it her life’s mission to bring people together.

I really miss her. She was an amazing role model and has made a massive impact on my life. I have vowed to continue her legacy in bringing people together through food, breaking down barriers and starting conversations that will encourage us to be more willing to embrace people who are different from what we’re used to.

Am I saying food is THE answer? NO. We (the human race) ALL play a part in ending racism and championing equality. In addition, from what I’ve seen growing up, food is a powerful ally in aiding us all to share each others’ stories, build relationships and break down stereotypes as part of forwarding the cause for change where truly ALL lives matter.